University of Alberta Panel Examines AI's Role in Higher Education
The University of Alberta will host a panel discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching, research and academic integrity. The event takes place June 2, 2026, at the Timms Centre for the Arts, with President and Vice-Chancellor Bill Flanagan moderating.
Universities are experimenting with AI across classrooms and labs. The discussion will address what should change as institutions adopt these tools - and what must stay the same.
What Will Be Discussed
The panel will examine AI's effect on learning and knowledge. Topics include how students experience AI on campus, what AI reveals about human cognition, and how these systems are designed for real-world use.
Academic integrity, cognitive dependency, and the future of teaching will be central to the conversation. Attendees can submit their own questions during the event.
For educators interested in understanding AI's classroom applications, the AI Learning Path for Teachers offers practical guidance on implementation and pedagogy.
The Speakers
Hamidat Bello is president of the Undergraduate Artificial Intelligence Society and a graduating Computer Science student. She has worked on accessibility-focused AI and rehabilitation robotics at Microsoft. Bello helped establish a task force to ensure students influence institutional AI decisions on campus.
Dr. Alona Fyshe is an associate professor of Computing Science and Psychology. Her research uses machine learning to study how the human brain understands language, comparing that to how AI models process meaning. She holds a Canada CIFAR AI Chair and is an Amii fellow.
Dr. Adam White is an associate professor of Computing Science and Scientific Director of Amii. He previously worked as a research scientist at Google DeepMind, focusing on reinforcement learning systems that improve through trial and error in real environments.
Attendance and Cost
In-person tickets cost $10, with proceeds supporting the Campus Food Bank. Virtual attendance is free.
Those working in education can explore AI for Education resources to prepare for conversations about institutional AI adoption.
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